Hike North Vista Trail, Gunnison National Park, Colorado

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The North Vista Trail in Gunnison National Park begins at the North Rim Ranger Station. The North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and bird watching in the Park. The trail passes through an area of sage and oak brush before meandering off in a pinyon-juniper forest along the canyon's north rim. Several overlooks offer views of SOB Draw (one of the world’s most appropriately named series of gullies) and the inner canyon. At Exclamation Point some of the best inner-canyon views can be found. Exclamation Point is situated high above a large bend in the canyon, giving visitors the opportunity to look down the gorge in two directions. The canyon is 1,900 feet deep at this point, and the Gunnison River is clearly visible below. Those continuing to Green Mountain will discover that although Green Mountain is only 860 feet higher than the canyon rim, it offers a distinct perspective on Black Canyon. Other Colorado landmarks that are visible from the summit include the San Juan Mountains, the West Elks, Grand Mesa and the Uncompahgre Plateau along with the unique perspective of the Black Canyon. The hike to Exclamation Point is about 3 miles round trip and considered to be a moderate challenge while the entire loop to Green Mountain reaches about 7 miles and is a good deal more demanding. Since this trail is on the less-traveled north rim side of the park, visitors are able to enjoy a measure of solitude on their trek.

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